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Back-to-School Illnesses Surge: Experts Warn of Rising Colds and COVID-19
29 Aug
Summary
- Rhinovirus and COVID-19 cases have significantly increased since early August.
- Children's Health saw a 113% rise in rhinovirus and 75% in COVID-19 cases.
- Key warning signs for severe illness include breathing difficulty and dehydration.
The start of the new school year has coincided with a rise in illnesses among children in North Texas. A local hospital system noted significant increases in two common respiratory viruses.
From August 9 to August 16, Children's Health observed a 113% surge in positive rhinovirus cases, the primary cause of the common cold, and a 75% increase in positive COVID-19 cases. Both are the highest seen in approximately a year, according to an infectious disease specialist.
Experts emphasize recognizing critical symptoms that necessitate seeking medical care. These include difficulty breathing, turning blue, or dehydration. A fever lasting more than five days is also a cause for concern and warrants a doctor's visit.
Preventative measures such as maintaining good hand hygiene, including regular washing or using hand sanitizer, are vital. The specialist also highlighted the importance of staying current with vaccinations, noting a decline in vaccination rates among Texas kindergartners last year.
Distinguishing between a cold and COVID-19 is important. While symptoms like a runny nose and sore throat are common in colds, COVID-19 may also present with fever, muscle aches, and stomach issues, with a higher potential for lung complications.
